Breather system for steam irons



Nov. 6, 1956 R. H. DUNCANSON ET AL 2,76 57 BREATHER SYSTEM FOR STEAM IRONS Filed Aug. 19, 1954 4 Sheets$heer 1 60 j nun- "WW [1.

llllll III INVENTORS #08687 H. puma/v50 W/LL/AM 6 ROLL .drramvs r Nov. 6, 1956 R. H. DUNCANSON ETAL 2,769,257

BREATHER SYSTEM FOR STEAM IRONS Filed Aug. 19, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS ROBERT 1 DUIVCA/VSO/V WILL/4M 6. POLL Arrows 5y Nov. 6, 1956 H. DUNCANSON ET AL 2,769,257

BREATi-KER SYSTEM FOR STEAM IRONS Filed Aug. 19, 1954 4 Sheets$hee1 5 I IN VEN TORS ROBA-Rl' DU/VC'A/VSO/V W/L L IAM 6. ROLL 1M ZAJwO-n/ Arramvzr Nov. 6, 1956 R. H. DUNCANSON ET AL BREATHER SYSTEM FOR STEAM IRONS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 19, 1954 .INVENTORS P0554 7 H. DU/VC'A/VSO/V BYW/LL /AM 6. R041.

Arron/var United States Patent .BREATHER SYSTEM FOR STEAM moms RobertH. Duncanson, Minneapolis, and William G. Roll, New Brighton, Minn., assignors to General Mills, Inc., a corporation of Delaware Application August .19, 1954, Serial No. 451,008

.4 Claims. (Cl. ss-77 This invention relates to steam irons of the household variety .and pertains more particularly to a steam iron of this general character that may be rested on either of its sides between ironing strokes.

From laboratory-conducted.tests it has been determined that less over-all ironing effort is expended when an iron can be rested on its side rather than upended each time that the pressing operation is interrupted. No problem is .encountered in the :ordinary dry only type of iron, but .in la combination .dry and steam type iron, venting and spillage factors have plagued the designer 'who has been given the task of developing a steam iron that may be maneuvered .into a side rest position, especially a style .of iron permitting the iron to .be rested on either of its sides.

Accordingly, one important object of the invention is to provide .a breather system especially suited for side reststeam irons that will effectively vent the iron during actual ironing operations, .and which will provide an escape route for expanding air during heating, as well as entrance of air during cooling, whenever the iron is manelivered into either of two side rest positions. Not only are the foregoing ends inexpensively realized, but the invention has for .a further aim the avoidance of accompanying spillage of liquid from the reservoir, yet permitting substantial utilization of the reservoirs volumetric capacity for the storage of liquid. In this latter connection, the invention has in view the provision of a header tank for capturing drops of liquid that may enter the breather system by reason of rough handling of the iron, the liquid so accumulated being returned to the reservoir Without loss. 7

A further object of the invention is to provide a breather system for steam irons that is devoid of moving parts. By eliminating the need for valves and the like, a substantially trouble-free, long lasting breather system is realized.

Other objects :will .be in partobvious, and in part pointed out more in .detail hereinafter.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will :be exemplified in the construction hereafter set forth and the scope of the application which will be indicated in the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is aperspective viewof a steam iron embodying the instant invention, a portion of the casing being broken away in order to illustrate the internal construction of the iron;

Fig. .2. is a side elevational View, a portion of the easingagain being broken away in order to facilitate an understanding of the irons internal construction;

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the steam iron, mainly in section, showing the iron resting on one side;

'Fig. 4 is a plan view corresponding substantially to the side rest position depicted in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 pictures the iron in an intermediate position it assumes when moving from the side rest position shown 2,769,257 Patented Nov. 6,1956

in Fig. 3 to either an operating position or an opposite side rest position;

Fig. 6 is a plan view corresponding substantially to the side rest position shown in Fig. 7; and

Fig. 7 depicts the steam iron in an opposite side rest position from that shown in Fig. 3.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, the iron selected for exemplifying the instant invention comprises a soleplate 10 having embedded therein a heating element 12 of conventional encased construction. The heating element is in circuit with a thermostatic switch bearing the reference numeral 14 which may be adjusted by rotating a knob 16 mounted at the upper end of acontro'l shaft 18. Surmounting the soleplate 10 is a reservoir indicated generally by the numeral 20, this reservoir having a filling opening at 22 which is normally sealed by means of a filler plug 23. More, however, will be said later on concerning the specific internal construction .associated with the reservoir 20. Affixed to the upper surface of the reservoir is a handle member 24 and passing through a rear portion of the handle member is wiring 26 which supplies electrical energy to the heating element 12 via the thermostatic switch 14.

While the precise type of steam iron is not a controlling factor, nonetheless in order to fully comprehend the benefits to be derived from practicing of the invention, a specific type of steam iron will be described in general terms. In this connection it is to be observed that the handle member 24 encompasses a valve stem 28 which passes downwardly through a tubular bushing 30. The valve stem may be rotated by reason of a manipulating knob .32 and when rotated into open position, liquidconfined Within the reservoir 20 is permitted to flow gravitationally to a boiler chamber 34 formed by a cylindrical element .36 circumscribing a steam delivery tube 38. The

steam delivery tube is .of course in communication with" a plurality .of steam outlet ports 40, a few of which are visible in Fig. 2.

For the purpose vof :permitting the steam iron tobe rest ed .on either of its sides, it is contemplated that .a pair of projections 42 and 44 be utilized. These projections .01

side feet afford support for the soleplate when .the :iron is in either of its two side rest positions, the handle as 11- vention, it is to be observed that an auxiliary tank 46,; forming what may be termed a header chamber, is '-sus-' pended from the under surface of the top portion of the reservoir 20. To facilitate the anchoring of the tank 46 in such a position, it is perhaps desirable .to first cover the tank 46 with a curved .plate 48, the oppositely projecting ends of the cover plate 48 serving asa ready means side .of

by which the tank may be brazed to the under the reservoirs upper top wall.

Leading into the tank 46 from the interior of the reservoir 20 is a pair of -L-shaped tubes or conduits 5.0 and 52. The tube 50 has an open end 54 lying adjacent one inner side wall of the reservoir 20 whereas the tube 52 has an open end 56 lying adjacent the sidewall opposite that side wall with which the open end 54 is associated. The tube 50 connects with the tank 46 near the end thereof which is relatively close to the side wall opposite that near which the open end 54 is disposed and in the same manner the tube 52 enters the tank 46 near the end thereof which is opposite the side wall with which the. open end 56 is associated. Thus it will be discerned that' each side of the iron has an open end 54 or 56 rather closely spaced therefrom and that the tubes 50 and 52 containing these open ends lead to the sidesof the reserq 3 voir which lie opposite the sides with which the open ends thereof are afliliated.

It is also to be observed that the open ends 54 and 56 are somewhat lower than the ends connecting with the tank 46 thereby producing an inclination of each tube 50 and 52 so that any liquid entrained in either of these tubes will drain quickly back into the reservoir whenever the iron is moved to a horizontal ironing position. Further, it is to be pointed out that the entrances of these tubes 50 and 52 to the tank 46 are located at the bottom of the tank 46 so that should any moisture pass into the tank 46, it will not accumulate in the bottom of this tank, but will drain back into the reservoir 20. Leading forwardly from the tank 46 is an exhaust tube 58, this exhaust tube passing to atmosphere by reason of an outlet 60 which may, if desired, be covered with a screen 62. To make it diflicult for moisture that might temporarily accumulate in the tank 46 to exit via the tube 58, this tube is attached to the tank 46 adjacent the top thereof.

Although the operation of the steam iron is believed readily apparent from a study of the foregoing description, nonetheless a brief operational sequence will undoubtedly facilitate an understanding of the invention. Therefore, when liquid is to be added to the reservoir 20 the filler plug 23 is removed and liquid is poured into the reservoir via the opening 22. Then when the wiring 26 is connected to a source of power and the control knob 16 adjusted for an optimum temperature, the heating element 12 is instrumental in heating the soleplate to an elevated temperature as well as supplying heat to the boiler or steam generating chamber 34. By rotating the knob 32 the valve stem 28 may be raised from its seat (not visible) so that liquid contained in the reservoir will flow gravitationally to the steam generating chamber where the liquid is converted into steam, the steam passing to the pressing face of the iron by way of the steam delivery tube 38.

However, as the liquid is converted into steam, air must be permitted to seek entrance to the reservoir 20 so that such air will replace the liquid that is withdrawn therefrom. It is in this connection that the vent tube 58 plays a very important role for air is permitted to enter the reservoir by way of the tube 58, the header tank 46, and either or both of the tubes 50 and 52. Now, assuming that the iron is maneuvered from the horizontal or ironing position pictured in Figs. 1 and 2 to the side rest position shown in Fig. 3, then of course the open end 54 belonging to the tube 50 will be totally submerged, inasmuch as this tube 50 will be pointing downwardly. On the other hand, the tube 52 will be pointing upwardly and as clearly seen from an inspection of Fig. 3, its open end 56 will be above the level of the liquid. Thus While the liquid seeks its own level within the tube 50, nonetheless the tube 52 with its open end above the liquid level will serve as a means by which communication is continued between the interior of the reservoir 20 and the exterior or atmosphere. Probably a better understanding may be had of this breathing path by resort to Fig. 4 where the cross-sectional picturing of the tubes 50 and 52 shows that the liquid extends upwardly within the tube 50 but that the tube 52 is clear to provide the desired breathing path. Thus even with the iron in the side rest position depicted in Figs. 3 and 4, an escape route is provided for any expanding air that might need relief during the heating thereof and of course the reverse is true should the air within the reservoir 20 be subjected to a cooling action. In this regard it will be appreciated that the reservoir 20 in practice is not completely isolated from the soleplate 10 and some heating and cooling takes place depending upon whether the soleplate is itself undergoing a heating or cooling cycle. In this way, air can either leave the interior of the reservoir 20 via the tube 52, the tank 46, and the exhaust tube 58 or it may enter via this same path.

Focusing attention for a moment upon Fig. 5, it should be explained that this particular figure is representative of an intermediate position that the steamiron might assume in being moved from the position illustrated in Fig. 3 back to a horizontal position such as that shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2, or, on the other hand, it could represent a position intermediate the two side rest positions. At any rate cognizance should be had of the fact that the tubes 50 and 52 are each provided with an inclination that will aid in the liquid draining rapidly from the tube that has just had its particular open end submerged. In the present instance, of course, the open end 54 has been submerged and continues to be submerged until substantially a horizontal position of the iron has been reached. Thus the liquid in either of the tubes 50 or 52 drains away from the tank 46 rather than toward or into said tank.

Proceeding further with a description of the operation of the iron when placed in a side rest position, Fig. 7 indicates the iron when tilted into an opposite side rest position and from this figure, as well as Fig. 6, it will be perceived that the tube 52 is now facing downwardly with its open end 56 totally submerged. On the other hand, the tube 50 is now pointed upwardly and its open end 54 is above the level of the liquid so that ingress or egress of air may take place over the path formed by the tube 50, the tank 46, and the tube 58;

Having illustrated the iron in either of two side rest positions, it will be apparent, it is believed, that the iron is completely operative in either of these two side rest positions and that an effective breathing action takes place at all times. There may be occasions when the steam iron is subjected to rather rough handling and the jostling about of the liquid contents confined within the reservoir 20 might be of such severity that particles of liquid might be forced through air tube 50 or 52 during an ironing operation so that the tube 58 would become filled with liquid with a consequent ultimate escape thereof via the opening 60. Provision is made for preventing such action from taking place by reason of the depth of the tank 46 and the connection of the tubes 50 and 52 adjacent the bottom thereof, together with the connection of the tube 58 adjacent the top thereof. Thus when moisture does pass completely through either tube 50 or 52 there is an immediate inducement for it to return'to the reservoir 20. Accordingly, it will be recognized that there is little chance that any liquid will leave the reservoir by Way of the exhaust tube 58 although such passage is at all times available for the exiting of vapors and air.

In closing, it is desired that it be understood that while the exemplified structure has shown a separate and distinct exhaust tube 58, nonetheless the passage means by which such action takes place might be via a passage arrangement interconnected with the steam-producing mechanism, which mechanism would have ports on the pressing face of the soleplate 10, a few of such ports being indicated by the reference numeral 40 in the described embodirnent. Further, itis to be pointed out that the tank 46 need not be mounted internally within the reservoir 20 for it is within the realm of design possibility to mount such tank on the outer surface of the reservoir with connection to the interior of the reservoir by means of the tubes 50 and 52 passing through the reservoirs side walls.

As many changes could be made in the above construction and many apparently widely different embodiments of this invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the language used in the following claims is intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

We claim:

1. A steam iron comprising a soleplate, a steam generating chamber associated with said soleplate, a reservoir surmounting the soleplate for containing liquid to be fed to said steam generating chamber, and a breather system including means forming a first passage having an open end disposed adjacent a first side of the reservoir and extending to a point adjacent a second side lying opposite said first side, a second passage having an open end disposed adjacent said second side and extending to a point adjacent said first side, and a third passage connecting said first and second passages With atmosphere.

2. A steam iron comprising a soleplate, a steam generating chamber associated with said soleplate, a reservoir surmounting the soleplate for containing liquid vto be fed to said steam generating chamber, and a breather system including a header chamber having one end located nearer a first side of the reservoir and its other end located nearer a second side lying opposite said first side, first passage means having an open end disposed adjacent said first side and connecting with the header chamber in a liquid tight manner near said other end thereof, second passage means having an open end disposed adjacent said second side and connecting with said header chamber in a liquid tight manner near said one end thereof, and passage means connecting said chamber to atmosphere.

3. A steam iron comprising a soleplate, a steam generating chamber associated With said soleplate, heating means for said soleplate and chamber, a reservoir surmounting the soleplate for containing liquid to be fed to said steam generating chamber, and a breather systern including a header chamber subjacent the top of the reservoir having one end located nearer a first side of the reservoir and its opposite end located nearer a second side lying opposite said first side, a first conduit having an open end disposed adjacent said first side and inclining upwardly with its other end connecting with the header chamber near said opposite end thereof, a second conduit having an open end disposed adjacent said second side and inclining upwardly with its other end connecting With said header chamber near said one end thereof, and a third conduit connecting said chamber to atmosphere.

4. A steam iron in accordance With claim 3 in which said first and second conduits connect with the header chamber adjacent the bottom thereof and said third conduit connects with said chamber adjacent the top thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

